Into The Bloom: How To Grow Garlic At Home

If you are planning for some additions to your home garden, pick garlic. Aromatic and pungent garlic is one of the most used ingredients in our Indian kitchens. Garlic adds great depth and taste to our curries and chutneys.

Interestingly, garlic can be easily grown at home. What would be more fulfilling than getting some fresh garlic from your home garden and using it for your food preparations? So, here we thought of bringing you a quick guide on how to grow garlic at home.

How To Grow Garlic At Home Using A Clove?

• Firstly, make sure you get healthy and fresh garlic from the market. Separate the cloves from the garlic bulb. Do not peel off the garlic skin. Get a pot and soil mix from the nursery. Garlic grows well in slightly acidic soil. Let the gardener know that you require a potting mix to grow garlic. They might give you a mix of organic compost and regular soil.
• Now plant the garlic cloves, they should point upwards. You can plant multiple cloves but they should be placed at a distance of 12 inches. Cloves should be pointed 2 inches deep.

• After a few weeks, you will see garlic taking roots and giving out little leaves. When these leaves start to turn yellow and feel dry, garlic is ready for harvesting. Garlic harvesting should be done carefully. You can dig the garlic bulb using a fork. Make sure to dig it gently or you might damage the garlic.
• After harvesting the garlic, clean the excess soil. Keep garlic bulbs in a dry, well-aired area for at least 2 to 4 weeks. This will help your homegrown garlic get the full flavour.

Tips To Grow Garlic At Home Quickly

• Garlic needs balanced fertilisation while it's growing. Ask your gardener to get a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for the plant when the leaves begin to grow. When you notice that garlic bulbs are developing, use a phosphorus-rich fertiliser. (Garlic peeling hacks)
• Garlic needs moist soil to grow. The plant needs regular watering. However, make sure you don't overwater the plant as it can lead to rotting.
• Garlic requires a good amount of sunlight to grow quickly. Place garlic in an area where it gets a lot of sun.

• Keep checking your plant regularly. If you see a sign of a pest or disease, use a pest killer immediately.

• Use good quality, healthy garlic cloves to grow garlic at home. High-quality cloves give better yield. (Benefits of having garlic on an empty stomach)
• Garlic is available in a variety, you will find garlic that grows and matures quickly. Let the vendor know your requirements and buy garlic bulbs accordingly.
• Growing garlic is easy but it is also a time-consuming process. In some cases, it can even take months for garlic to grow. All you need to do is keep monitoring the growth of your plant and take the right measures if an issue arises.